Reward for Guarding Historical Landmarks
Ingrid Girrbach, a dedicated volunteer from Ötisheim (Enzkreis), is set to receive the prestigious German Award for Heritage Conservation 2025. This recognition, considered the highest for civic engagement in heritage conservation, will be presented by the German National Committee for Heritage Conservation (DNK) on November 3, 2025, in Berlin.
The award honours individuals like Girrbach who have made significant contributions to heritage conservation. In Girrbach's case, her dedication spans over three decades. She has been instrumental in saving the former railway depot in Tuttlingen, transforming it into the German Steam Locomotive and Model Railway Museum.
This museum, spanning over four hectares of land, houses 26 steam locomotives, several diesel and electric locomotives, historic passenger, sleeping, and freight cars, and many other exhibits. Visitors can experience hands-on technology history through guided tours, lectures, and interactive activities for all age groups.
The museum's facilities include a seven-stall ring locomotive shed and a fully functional turntable. Girrbach's work at the museum combines heritage conservation, technology history, and volunteer engagement on a national level.
Girrbach's efforts to save the site from decay were not without personal investment. She has contributed significant funds and efforts to ensure the museum's preservation. For this, she will be honoured with the Silver Half-Globe, the highest award for civic engagement in heritage conservation.
The German Award for Heritage Conservation ceremony will take place on November 3, 2025, in Berlin. Alongside Girrbach, other recipients of the award will be celebrated for their contributions to heritage conservation. This event promises to be a significant celebration of civic engagement and the preservation of Germany's rich heritage.
